Proportionate Sampling Procedure Research Articles

Training Needs of Agro-Dealers in Southwest, Nigeria

The study identified the training needs of agro-dealers in South-west, Nigeria. A proportionate sampling procedure was used to select 122 agro-dealers for the study. A survey questionnaire and focus group discussion were used to collect data. The data were analysed using percentages, ranked discrepancy scores (RDS) and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The Wilcoxon signed rank test at a 5% level of significance indicated the need for training in good agronomic practices (z= -7.679), planning of demonstration plots (z= -4.434), evaluation of trials (z= -3.818), financial management (z= -3.765), and business planning (z= -2.412). However, the need for training in recording and reporting (z= -0.395), and input ordering and distribution (z= -0.440) were not significant. Agro-dealers need training to develop their knowledge and technical capacity on the agro-inputs they sell, in order to provide up-to-date and authentic information about these products. Therefore, it is crucial to organize more training workshops for agro-dealers on the identified areas of training to improve their knowledge and skills for the services they provide.

Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Maize Production in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State

This study determined factors influencing youth participation in maize production in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling procedure (purposive and proportionate sampling procedure) was employed in selecting 78 farmers in the study area. The data collected were analyzed using percentage and ordinary least square regression model. The results revealed that access to credit (3.058), amount of credit received (1.695) and farming experience (- 4.161) significantly influence youth participation in maize production. There is need of provision of credit facilities and enough land to the youth for fully participation in maize production by the government in the study area

Knowledge of Zygote Cryopreservation among Female Lecturers in Universities in Enugu State, Nigeria

One of the viral indices of stable family life and living in most societies is the capacity to procreate hence the need for examination of knowledge of female lecturers on possible ways to actualize it. The study investigated knowledge of oocyte cryopreservation among female lecturers in universities in Enugu State in a cross-sectional descriptive survey involving 171 female lecturers from six out of seven universities in Enugu State. Purposive and proportionate sampling procedures were used in selecting the six Universities and 171 female lecturers used for the study respectively. Self-administered questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection while data analysis was carried out with frequency counts and percentages. The results showed that female lecturers in universities in Enugu State had low level of knowledge on oocyte cryopreservation, reasons for oocyte cryopreservation and procedure involved in oocyte cryopreservation (36.49%;38.36%;30.29%). Furthermore, majority of the respondents were not knowledgeable enough in most of the medical health challenges that could necessitate oocyte cryopreservation. It was concluded that there is low level of knowledge on oocyte cryopreservation, reasons for oocyte cryopreservation as well as the procedures involved in oocyte cryopreservation among female lecturers in universities in Enugu State. The recommendation among others is that Clinicians should endeavor to discuss the possibility of oocyte cryopreservation for medical and elective purposes during clinical meetings especially for single women of child bearing age who may wish to delaying procreation. Consequently, there is the need to set up counseling centres in major cities and towns in Enugu State in order to allay women ‘s fears about possible unfavourable outcomes of the procedures.

Adjustment of Students to the Tertiary Landscape: The Dynamic Influence of Psychosocial Education

Aims: The study examined the influence of psychosocial education on students’ adjustment to the tertiary landscape. Two research questions guided the study. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study.
 Methodology: A total of 381 participants responded to a self-developed questionnaire after a careful review of literature. Both stratified and proportionate sampling procedures were employed in the study. A self crafted questionnaire was distributed for data collection after it had been piloted to obtain cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.89. Data was analyzed using percentages.
 Results: The findings of the study revealed that participating in psychosocial education and utilizing the suggestions made by professionals positively aided students in adjusting to the university atmosphere.
 Conclusion: It is concluded that tertiary students should be urged to continuously avail themselves to psychosocial education and put into practice the suggestions and recommendations received from professionals since it has an extreme and rigorous influence on their adjustment.

Consumer Decision-Making Rules for FMCG Products—Study of Rural in North India

The present study aims to identify the demographic variables that influence rural customers’ decision-making rules in the process of purchasing fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) products. Five FMCG personal care products are taken into consideration for the study. A multistage proportionate sampling procedure was adopted and 550 respondents were selected for the study. The regression model enables the marketers to identify the key demographic variables which affect the decision-making rules used by rural people. The study concludes that consumers’ decision-making rules are influenced by rural consumer’s educational backgrounds and the number of family members under the age of 18 years. In the context of FMCG products, our research assists marketers in designing strategies that take into consideration the needs and demands of rural residents. Further studies possibly will be expanded to include other FMCG product categories such as domestic care, food, and beverages.

A Quantitative Approach to Challenges Facing Online and Physical Classes in Social Studies Learning Higher Education

The aim of this research is to investigate the challenges faced by online and physical classes in social studies learning in higher education. This condition causes differences in online or physical face-to-face classes. Descriptive research of the survey type was employed to achieve the purpose of this study. Students in five randomly selected faculties in University of Ilorin, Nigeria made up the study target population. In order to choose sample from each of the selected faculties, proportionate sampling procedure was used. The actual sample size for the study was 200 Undergraduates, who were chosen using random selection techniques. Descriptive statistics of mean score were used to analyse the information obtained from the respondents. The findings of this study shows that students faced challenges while learning in both online and physical classrooms. It was concluded that despite the underlying similarities between online and physical classroom, the two modalities are very different from one another. Online teaching is typically student-centered which necessitates active learning, in contrast to traditional classroom instruction, which has been known to be teachers-centered and call for passive learning. It was a challenge for teachers to move from face to face in class mode to virtual learning, changing their teaching methodologies, and managing their time. And it was also a challenge to develop content which did not only covers the curriculum but also engage the learners.

Influence of Guidance and Counselling Programmes on Secondary Students School Connectedness. A Case Study of Nyamira County, Kenya

Secondary school students are still within the age bracket of rapid physical, social and psychological changes. These changes pose a number of challenges which result to cases of maladaptive behaviour as evidenced by strikes, riots, boycotts, indulgence in premarital sexual activities, truancy, drug and substance abuse, disinterest in school and poor academic performance. Diverse behaviour modification strategies have been employed to mitigate against these negative tendencies but these maladaptive behaviours are still rampant among secondary school students. The current study sought to investigate the influence of guidance and counselling programmes in improving secondary students school connectedness in Nyamira Count,y Kenya. The study objective was to investigate the influence of guidance and counselling programmes on secondary students school connectedness. The study was guided by two theories namely: Ludwig Bertalanffy’s Systems Theory and Erik Erickson’s psychosocial development Theory. The study utilized descriptive survey design as well as ex-post facto design. The sample size of the study were 52 head teachers, 52 deputy head teachers, 52 guidance and counselling teachers and 311 students drawn from a population of 7740 form three students, 174 head teachers, 174 deputy head teachers and 174 guidance and counselling teachers. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select public secondary schools, head teachers, deputy head teachers, guidance and counselling teachers and form three students. Stratified sampling procedure was used to group the target population into four strata based on school type and gender. Proportionate sampling procedure was used to select equal representation of respondents from each stratum of public secondary school. Random sampling procedure was used to obtain the final sample from each of the stratum. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. Prior to data collection, a pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the research instruments and using Cronbach reliability test, reliability coefficient of ∝ = 0.727 was reported. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. The data analysis was done with the aid of computer software- statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The study found that there is a strong positive relationship (r = .622) between guidance and counselling programme and students school connectedness which was statistically significant (ρ<.005). The study recommends that all teachers in the school need to understand in depth the concept of guidance and counselling in the school setting and how it can be used to improve students school connectedness. The education ministry should organize regular seminars based on personal, social and moral practices for the schools. This will ensure that the policy on professional ethics is adhered to for improved performance. The government through the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission should employ more teacher counselors in secondary schools to effectively tackle social and academic challenges facing the students.

Influence of Guidance and Counselling Programmes on Secondary Students School Connectedness. A Case Study of Nyamira County, Kenya

Secondary school students are still within the age bracket of rapid physical, social and psychological changes. These changes pose a number of challenges which result to cases of maladaptive behaviour as evidenced by strikes, riots, boycotts, indulgence in premarital sexual activities,  truancy, drug and substance abuse, disinterest in school and poor academic performance. Diverse behaviour modification strategies have been employed to mitigate against these negative tendencies but these maladaptive behaviours are still rampant among secondary school students. The current study sought  to investigate the influence of guidance and counselling programmes in improving secondary students school connectedness in Nyamira Count,y Kenya. The study  objective was to investigate the influence of guidance and counselling programmes on secondary  students school connectedness. The study was guided by two theories namely: Ludwig Bertalanffy’s Systems  Theory and Erik Erickson’s psychosocial development Theory. The study utilized descriptive survey design as well as ex-post facto design. The sample size of the study were 52 head teachers, 52 deputy head teachers, 52 guidance and counselling teachers and 311 students drawn from a population of 7740 form three students, 174 head teachers, 174 deputy head teachers and 174 guidance and counselling teachers. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select public secondary schools, head teachers, deputy head teachers, guidance and counselling teachers and form three students. Stratified sampling  procedure was used to group the target population into four strata based on school type and gender. Proportionate sampling procedure was used to select equal representation of respondents from each stratum of public secondary school. Random sampling procedure was used to obtain the final sample from each of the stratum. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. Prior to data collection, a pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the research instruments and using Cronbach reliability test, reliability coefficient of =  0.727 was reported. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. The data analysis  was done  with the aid of computer software- statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The study found that there is a strong positive relationship (r = .622) between guidance and counselling programme and students school connectedness which was statistically significant ( <.005). The study recommends that all teachers in the school need to understand in depth the concept of guidance and counselling in the school setting and how it can be used to improve students school connectedness. The education  ministry should organize regular seminars based on personal, social and moral practices for the schools. This will ensure that the policy on professional ethics is adhered to for improved performance. The government through the  Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission should employ more teacher counselors in secondary schools to effectively tackle social and academic challenges facing the students. Keywords: Guidance and counselling, public secondary schools, students school connectedness, Nyamira County. DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-22-06 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

Influence of Guidance and Counselling Programmes on Secondary School Students Academic Engagement in Nyamira County, Kenya

Secondary school students  are still in the age of rapid physical, social and psychological developments. These developmental changes pose a number of challenges which result to cases of maladaptive behaviour as evidenced by strikes, riots, boycotts, truancy, low self-esteem and a general lack of enthusiasm in academic activities in school, leading to poor academic performance. The current study sought to establish the influence of guidance and counselling programmes on secondary school students academic engagement. The study was guided by two theories namely; Ludwig Bertalanffy’s Systems  Theory and Erickson’s Psychological Development Theory. The study utilized descriptive survey design as well as ex-post facto design. The sample size of the study were 52 head teachers, 52 Deputy head teachers, 52 guidance and counselling teachers and 311 students drawn from a population of 174 head teachers, 174  Deputy  head teachers, 174 Guidance and Counselling Teachers and 7740 form three students. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select public secondary schools, head teachers, Deputy head teachers, Guidance and Counselling Teachers and form three students. Stratified sampling procedure was used to group the target population into four strata based on school type and gender. Proportionate sampling procedure was used to select equal representation of respondents from each stratum of public secondary school. Random sampling procedure was used to obtain the  final  sample from each of the stratum. Questionnaires and interview schedules were utilized to collect data. Prior to data collection, a pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the research instruments and using Cronbach reliability test, reliability co-efficient of = 0.727 was reported, which was considered adequate for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze data. The data analysis was done with the help of computer software-statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The study found out that there is a strong positive relationship (R = .575) between guidance and counselling services and students, academic engagement which was statistically significant (P<0.05). All the respondents in the study perceived school guidance and counseling programmes as effective in enhancing students academic engagement.  Education stake-holders and policy makers in education who include guidance and counselling teachers, school managers, TSC personnel, Ministry of Education officials and NGOs interested in education matters may use the results of this study to strengthen, improve and maintain the guidance and  counselling programme. It was recommended that guidance and counselling programme be fully supported as a matter of priority in all secondary schools to enhance students academic engagement and hence  improvement in academic performance. Keywords: Guidance and counselling programme, academic engagement Nyamira County. DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-29-13 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

Information Management Behaviour of Rice Farmers under Collective Farming in Kerala

The study was conducted in Kannur district of Kerala State, to assess the information management behaviour of rice farmers under the collective farming project of Kudumbashree mission. Expost facto research design was followed for the study. A sample of 120 farmers was selected by using proportionate sampling procedure and information was gathered and analyzed. The results showed that majority of the women rice farmers belonged to medium category of information management behavior.

Domestic Violence against Women in Union Council Watala, District Bhimber Azad Kashmir

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The study conducted in union council Watala, distract Bhimber of Azad Kashmir to probe out domestic violence against women. The main objective of the study was to find out prevalence of domestic violence with reference to dowry. The data was collected from N=379 respondents from three selected villages on proportionate sampling procedure. The data was analyzed by simple percentages and frequencies, while to see association between dowry and domestic violence chi-square statistics was used. The study found a significant and positive association of dowry is the root cause of domestic violence, women commit suicide as a solution to dowry related domestic violence, dowry causes economic problems for the family of bride, your family arranged your entire dowry easily, dowry is demanded by the groom family, dowry system helps bride to adjust in new family and total value of the dowry is very less than women’s share in family property. Awareness campaign should be launched against dowry in the media, imams of mosques should focus on this issue in their Friday sermons, share in parent property inheritance should be given to women to enhance their status in the in laws are some of the suggestions on the basis of study findings.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Ethical practice and methodological considerations in researching body cathexis for fashion products

PurposeThe paper seeks to identify ethical issues arising from body cathexis research and analyse categories for attention. To also highlight methodological considerations in generating body size data through measurement for fashion products.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents instrumental activities and strategies for conducting and implementing focus groups for investigating body cathexis and related body measurements for fashion products. Five homogenous groups of 30 females aged 19‐44 years, were employed. Purposive and proportionate sampling procedures involving both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied and analysed by triangulation. Aspects of the methodology of measurement are presented in this paper but analysis of measurement data is presented in a subsequent paper. Key ethical principles by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), UK have been also evaluated in relation to the integrity of such a study.FindingsThe study found that deciding on procedures regarding collating data on psychological issues related to garment fit is an obscure process that is not clearly documented in literature. It raised significant issues relating to sensitivity to respondents' concerns when conducting an investigation into body cathexis for fashion products. A framework for ethical and methodological practice in researching body cathexis and ethical deliberation in generating body measurement data has therefore been presented.Originality/valueThis study presents guidelines for ethical practice and develops an ethical framework for research and professional practice.

Men's knowledge of and attitude with respect to family planning in a sub-urban Nigerian community

Men's Knowledge of and attitudes to family planning (FP) in suburban and rural Nigeria is still poor despite a global move to increase the involvement of men in reproductive health matters. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine men's knowledge of and attitude to family planning at Ganmo, a sub-urban community on the outskirts of Ilorin, Nigeria. The study employed an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire to elicit information from 360 men in the households. Only males above the age of 15 years resident in the community were selected for interview A proportionate sampling procedure was employed in selecting the required numberof men from each of the 32 compounds that make up the community. Nearly all men (96.5%) were aware of family planning and a majority of them were aware of some common methods of family planning e.g. Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) (72.5%), Injectables (69.2%), Condoms (86.6%) and Traditional methods (70.6%). Knowledge of other alternative female methods was low e.g. Norplant (17.5%), IUCD (26.3%), Diaphragm (39.8%), Vaginal cream (30.2%), Vaginal tablet (37.8%) and Vaginal sponge (16.8%), and Tubal Ligation (51.3%). Knowledge of male controlled FP methods like Withdrawal (49.6%), Rhythm or periodic abstinence (54.6%) and Vasectomy (28.6%) was also poor. The Respondents had low knowledge of common side effects of FP methods e.g. nausea (9.8%), vomiting (13.1%), abnormal menstruation (34.4%), pain (23.2%) and unwanted weight gain (17.0%); some 25.3%% of respondents had no knowledge of any side effects. The attitude of respondents to family planning was also relatively poor as only a moderate proportion of men supported the FP concept (52.7%) and the Nigerian Population Policy (54.8%) of "four children to a woman". Some 54.8% of respondents were in support of men discussing about FP with their spouses. The major reasons for non-approval of FP by men were the fear of side-effects (70.4%) and perception of FP as being against religion (52.1%). The predictors of poor FP attitude were not having formal education, practice of polygyny and to a lesser extent being a Muslim. The study concluded that, men at Ganmo have limited knowledge of, and poor attitude to FP An intensive drive at a community based adult reproductive health education was advocated among other recommendations.

Reproductive behaviour and determinants of fertility among men in a semi-urban Nigerian community

Context: A relatively high fertility is still sustained in sub-urban and rural Nigeria despite the efforts of government and other non-governmental family planning service providers. This study was conducted to examine the reproductive behavior and determine the factors that determine the fertility of men at Ganmo, a sub-urban community on the outskirts of Ilorin, Nigeria. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 360 men in the households. Only males above the age of 15 years resident in the community were selected for interview. A proportionate sampling procedure was employed in selecting the required number of men from each of the 32 compounds that make up the community. Results: The median age at first marriage for men was found to be 25 years. While about two-thirds of these men were married, at least 25% of them were in polygynous relationships. The Mean Number of Children Ever-Fathered (MNCEF), Mean Number of Living children (MNLC) and Mean Ideal Family Size (MIFS) for the men were 5.2, 4.2 and 5.8, respectively. For men above 50 years old who may be considered to have completed their families, these indicators were 9.3, 7.3 and 5.8 respectively. The predictors of high fertility among the men were low education, being a Muslim and having more than one wife. Men reproduced mainly because they wanted children that will carry on the family name and for economic support in old age. Conclusion: The study concluded that men at Ganmo still have preference for large family sizes and an intensive drive at adult education was advocated among other recommendations.Keywords: men, reproductive behaviour, fertilityJournal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care 2005, 17(1): 13-19

The determinants of reproductive health service provision by general practitioners in Pakistan.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify the factors that influence the provision of reproductive health services by General Practitioners (GPs) working in the province of Sind, Pakistan. One hundred and ninety-eight GPs were selected as the study participants by a multistage, randomized stratified, proportionate sampling procedure. Data were collected using a self-completed questionnaire, which was validated for content validity by an expert review panel and for face validity by a pilot test administered to doctors from developing countries. Data collection took place between November 2000 and February 2001. Eighty-six percent of GPs (171/198) responded to the questionnaire. Of those, only 25% reported providing reproductive health services in their clinics. The major determinants of reproductive health service provision were found to be the urban location of the GP clinic, being a female GP, postgraduate training in reproductive health and a good knowledge of reproductive health. The findings of this study suggest that the provision of reproductive health services in Sind could be improved by increasing the involvement of female GPs. This can be achieved by encouraging more female GPs into the specialty, with the use of incentives if necessary, and providing adequate postgraduate training to improve their reproductive health knowledge and skills. The results of this study have broadened understanding of the factors that influence GPs in their provision of reproductive health services, and will contribute significantly to research on reproductive health in Pakistan.

Are Race Differences in Mental Test Scores an Artifact of Psychometric Methods? a Test of Harrington's Experimental Model

This study examines Harrington's hypothesis that blacks obtain lower mean scores on mental tests as a result of their small representation in the test development population. Two new intelligence test forms—a black form and a white form—were constructed using maximally unequal numbers of blacks and whites. Results indicated that blacks did not perform significantly better on the test form developed solely on their own item statistics. Bias in predictive validity was also investigated and noted to occur on the intercepts of some of the regression lines. These findings indicate that using equal or unequal numbers of blacks and whites in test development samples results in the same findings of little or no differential construct and predictive validity of intelligence tests across racial groups as reported in studies with tests developed using population proportionate sampling procedures. Differences in special education placement rates of black children, though related to black-white differences in mean IQs, are not due to the phenomenon described by Harrington.